Latest news with #Fairytale
New European
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New European
The film Putin didn't want you to see
Because the film industry has always been, to one degree or another, an unholy-bedfellow three-way between art, entertainment and commercial profit, the prickly kind of self-directed artist who might've thrived as a poet or painter can run the risk of facing what amounts to erasure. Sokurov belongs to this tribe. What seems like being his final work, Fairytale (2022), may end up being the greatest 21st-century film most of us will never get to see. There was no Aleksandr Sokurov film at Cannes this year. There may never be another. The Russian will turn 74 in June, but age is not the main reason why his half-century of film-making looks to have ended abruptly. Russia's culture ministry banned the movie from being seen in Russia, and as a result Sokurov, in December 2023, officially announced that as a result, his 'professional career… is over.' This would be a pity – Sokurov is a giant in the medium, a tireless experimenter whose films, as he's aged, have become only riskier and stranger, and have nonetheless sometimes found audiences around the world. That 50-year career-span covers a lot of history for a Russian: from before the Brezhnev Constitution of 1977 through the Russian-Afghan War, to Gorbachev and the dissolution of the USSR, and the subsequent decades of oligarchal turmoil and territorial war-waging, most of it presided over by Vladimir Putin. (Fairytale's plight at home is like a flashback for Sokurov, all of whose films made before 1987 have two dates – completion and exhibition – since his entire 10-year output before perestroika was secreted away by the censors.) History, the maddening fog and lingering scars of it, has always been one of Sokurov's reigning obsessions: his most famous films are the miraculous one-shot historical dream-tour Russian Ark (2002), and his plague-of-power tetralogy, coming leftward at Hitler, Lenin and Hirohito in Moloch (1999), Taurus (2001) and The Sun (2005) respectively, and then rounding the project with a screwy, grotty retelling of Faust (2011). Fairytale picks up the thread, in a sense – a film that sees the lust for power as a lost game of ghosts. It's not quite like any other film, for purely textural reasons: crafted largely without cameras, the film deploys digital imaging to revivify old newsreel footage of Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin and Churchill, removing them from their historical contexts, and without ado plopping these four preening ogres down into a mist-shrouded purgatory, where they wander, grumble, bicker and bemoan their WWII decisions. You think you're looking at a whole film built with AI deepfakes – such a thing awaits us soon enough – but Sokurov only needed to digitally restore the footage, get a team of crack compositors to seamlessly layer the imagery, and dub the old power-dealers with new voices and dialogue, in their own tongues. Suggested Reading The film that put Netanyahu in court Ian Winwood Undead echoes of political hubris, the four miserable spirits (plus a few moments with Napoleon, whose ghost is already fading away into forgetfulness) proliferate – an average scene could have three Stalins and three Mussolinis and so forth, all at different ages and in different uniforms, gabbing with each other. They saunter past the camera and each other, idly exploring their vast holding cell, an un-Christianised limbo mostly comprised of antique etchings of ancient ruins, caves, and tangled forests, all of it drenched with Sokurov's trademarked murky haze. (The dust motes, the single added tear on Stalin's cheek…) Skazka (2022) Skazka (2022) Very real dead soldiers litter the landscape, and you can see bombed-out cities in the distance. The dead men seem to want to talk to God, to negotiate their way out. But mostly they dismissively bounce off one another, like ghosts in a Beckett play, walking in large circles, tossing growled insults, and remarking a lot on how the others stink. All movies are dreams, but watching Sokurov's films can be like slowly waking from a dawn sleepwalk, moist with sweat and one step away from a cliff-edge. The primary experience of Fairytale does not coddle you with narrative progression – which shouldn't come as a stunner for Sokurov fans, who might have with Stone (1992), Spiritual Voices (1995) and Russian Ark under their belts. It is, rather, an exercise in poisonous iconicity, mustering out of thin air a kind of metaphysical autopsy on 20th-century Euro-fallout, in the shape of a dream in which you want to run but can't move your feet. The less hardy viewers may squirm, but for anyone willing to consider films as objets d'art rather than merely snappy stories – they're Sokurov's tribe – every moment of Fairytale is a conjured miracle, graphically gorgeous and mysterious while simultaneously reconstituting these legendary men for real (not actors masquerading), and having us reconsider their vainglorious absurdity in sharp contrast to the historical destruction they wrought so long ago. That's the magic of found footage at work: we step into the ruminative abyss between the original intentions of the piece of film (here, newsreels and propaganda) and the ironic, recontextualised purposes it is put to now. Each image means, but Sokurov has reclaimed them and resituated them, and set these charismatic megafauna scrambling like self-deluded rats in a maze without an exit. In fact, the film is almost a valedictorian gesture for Sokurov, whose early short Sonata for Hitler (1979/89) was a howl of rage assembled entirely from archive footage. It's a sign of the man's aesthetic energy that as he has careened through various forms and genres – found footage experiments (ranging from ten minutes to 13 hours long) but also ironic adaptations of Flaubert and Shaw, free-associative documentaries, surreally visualised melodrama, brooding realism, twisted historical biopics, historical journalism, ambient dream videos, and so on – there's no mistaking his stubborn spectral signature. Sokurov's scrupulous anti-narrative manner and demiurgic authority with visual mood shapes every sort of material into a unique mirage, crepuscular, elusive, cunningly accented by layered dissolves or reflected distortions. There's almost too much of it. Any cinema or museum organising a complete Sokurov retrospective would have its work cut out for it; has never been able to quite keep up, and Sokurov's own website declares itself as 'an attempt' to corral his output. If Fairytale does turn out to be his epic career's capstone, it would be both a fascinating farewell and a life's work well completed. But it would also be tragic for us.. Fairytale is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video
The Irish Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Eurovision winner looks like he hasn't aged a day 16 years after winning show
THIS Eurovision champ looks like he hasn't aged a day - 16 years after winning the show. The final for the 6 This Eurovision star won the show for Norway Credit: Instagram / @rybakofficial 6 The star is known for playing the violin Credit: Instagram / @rybakofficial 6 Alexander Rybak looks like he hasn't aged a day - seen here when he won Eurovision 2009 Credit: Getty 6 The star looks exactly the same 16 years on - seen here in 2025 Credit: Instagram / @rybakofficial The singer, who's act also sees him playing the violin, was just 23 when he scooped the Song Contest crown. He stole the show with his hugely popular song Fairytale, which saw him sweep the scoreboard. Alexander broke all previous records with his score of 387 points. Read more on Eurovision The track topped the charts once he won, and his album Fairytales was released in 25 countries. Speaking about the song that helped him win, Alexander told the 'It's essentially an old-fashioned oom-pah tune with Tin Pan Alley chords, but people called it a 'modern tune' because I believed in it in the here and now. "I will be forever grateful for the people who stream it and show it to their friends, so that it may live on and be discovered by new generations.' Most read in Celebrity health Alexander has returned to Eurovision several times over the years. He has appeared on several interval medleys and even appeared as himself in the Netflix comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga. Rylan makes VERY awkward gaffe during first live Eurovision semi-final Alexander also competed again 2018, with the song That's How You Write a Song. This time he placed 15th with 144 points. HOST PULLS OUT Meanwhile, yesterday it was revealed how the BBC were forced to find a replacement after one of the UK's The Beeb shared a statement that said 6 Ncuti Gatwa pulled out of Eurovision at the last minute Credit: Getty The much-loved star is instead being replaced by The BBC said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately "However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva A thrilled Sophie said: 'I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final. 6 Sophie Ellis-Bextor will replace him on the show Credit: Instagram/BBC Press office "What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. "I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom !' GRAHAM RETURNS Fans will be pleased to know that Graham Norton returns to provide his witty commentary for tonight. The national treasure took over from the late Eurovision will kick off this evening at in Basel, Switzerland at 8pm on BBC One. Everything you need to know about Eurovision Here's your complete guide to all things Eurovision: Who was How to host a How many times has How much is Graham Norton paid and what's his When has Eurovision
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Eurovision winner looks like he hasn't aged a day 16 years after winning show
THIS Eurovision champ looks like he hasn't aged a day - 16 years after winning the show. The final for the famous Song Contest gets underway tonight, and this star knows all about performing on the much-loved show. 6 6 6 6 Alexander Rybak shot to fame when he won Eurovision for Norway in 2009. The singer, who's act also sees him playing the violin, was just 23 when he scooped the Song Contest crown. He stole the show with his hugely popular song Fairytale, which saw him sweep the scoreboard. Alexander broke all previous records with his score of 387 points. The track topped the charts once he won, and his album Fairytales was released in 25 countries. Speaking about the song that helped him win, Alexander told the Huff Post in 2022: 'Fairytale lets me have fun with music and experiment with new genres and styles every year. 'It's essentially an old-fashioned oom-pah tune with Tin Pan Alley chords, but people called it a 'modern tune' because I believed in it in the here and now. "I will be forever grateful for the people who stream it and show it to their friends, so that it may live on and be discovered by new generations.' Alexander has returned to Eurovision several times over the years. He has appeared on several interval medleys and even appeared as himself in the Netflix comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga. Rylan makes VERY awkward gaffe during first live Eurovision semi-final Alexander also competed again 2018, with the song That's How You Write a Song. This time he placed 15th with 144 points. HOST PULLS OUT Meanwhile, yesterday it was revealed how the BBC were forced to find a replacement after one of the UK's Eurovision hosts pulled out at the last minute. The Beeb shared a statement that said Dr Who 's Ncuti Gatwa, is no long able to read out the scores from the UK jury. 6 The much-loved star is instead being replaced by Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The BBC said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend. "However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the Jury result live from the UK." A thrilled Sophie said: 'I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final. 6 "What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. "I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom!' Sophie will be seen announcing the scores from the British jury. GRAHAM RETURNS Fans will be pleased to know that Graham Norton returns to provide his witty commentary for tonight. The national treasure took over from the late Terry Wogan in 2009 and has been a fan favourite ever since. Eurovision will kick off this evening at in Basel, Switzerland at 8pm on BBC One.
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Eurovision favourites named as UK outsiders Remember Monday promise 'surprise'
Remember Monday are still struggling to believe they've been picked to perform at Eurovision and revealed exactly why the pop trio are nervous ahead of the final UK act Remember Monday have admitted they are still struggling to believe they've been picked to perform at Eurovision in front of tens of millions around the world representing the UK. The trio, made up of friends Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, who met at school in Hampshire, are the first all-female British group act since Precious in 1999. They are seen as huge outsiders to win Eurovision with the bookmakers but they are not letting that dampen their spirits and enthusiasm ahead of performing their single 'What The Hell Just Happened?'. Bookmakers Paddy Power have Sweden as odds-on favourites with Austria 3-1 and France 6-1, the UK are now 100-1 for victory. But excited Holly, 30, said: 'I don't think our brains have computed that that is the amount of people watching. For us it's not necessarily the size of the audience, it's that we so badly want to do a good job and that's where our nerves are coming from, we want to be able to watch it back and be SO proud!' Charlotte, 31, from the band, would have been watching at home in fancy dress were she not involved this time around. She explained: "I am a huge Eurovision fan, I have been for as long as I can remember – it's kind of infamous as a Charlotte thing now. We always host Eurovision parties – everyone picks a country, they bring food and drink from that country, we go all out! My favourite Eurovision artist has to be Alexander Rybak who represented Norway in the 2009 and won with Fairytale. I just loved it!" Lauren, 30, described the weeks heading into the final as a "whirlwind of creativity and chaos" and also told how the band were given a memory box on the day they were announced as the UK entry and so they will have that with them backstage as a lucky charm on the night. The band are no strangers to singing live having kickstarted their career on The Voice UK in 2019. Asked what their Eurovision final performance will be like, Charlotte said: 'We obviously want it to be a surprise on the night, but what we can say is that we are leaning into our musical theatre backgrounds that is for sure and we just hope that audiences love the staging and design as much as we do.' A total of 26 countries are through to the Grand Final. As one of the 'Big Five' countries ( United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Italy), the UK has a guaranteed place in the Grand Final. Switzerland is also guaranteed a place in the Grand Final due to them being hosts this year. Commentator Graham Norton also insisted, despite being outsiders with the bookmakers, UK act Remember Monday "have a great advantage in that they are unlike any other act this year". They will compete in Saturday's grand final against touted favourites such as Sweden's Kaj with their entry Bara Bada Bastu, about Nordic sauna culture, Austria's JJ (Johannes Pietsch) with the emotional song Wasted Love, and Israeli singer Yuval Raphael with the ballad New Day Will Rise. He explained: "Remember Monday have a great advantage in that they are unlike any other act this year. "Their vocals and harmonies are flawless, the song has a very strong hook and the trio are hugely likeable. With a decent place in the running order they should do very well indeed." The result of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest will be determined by a combination of points from national juries and viewer votes in the participating countries, along with a separate rest of the world vote. Each national jury is made up of a group of five music professionals in that country.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
When Liquideep and Teargas ruled the airwaves: Zakes Bantwini's nostalgic tweet strikes a chord
Who can forget the time when Liquideep was playing in every corner of Mzansi, from backyard braais to the loudest taxis after school? The beats were smooth, the lyrics were deep, and let's be honest, their songs were the soundtrack to many of our memories. Recently, award-winning producer and musician Zakes Bantwini tweeted that he missed the music of Liquideep and Teargas. 'Man, I really miss Teargas and Liquideep's music,' the "Osama" hitmaker wrote, and just like that, he had the timeline in their feels. It was a time when tracks like "Fairytale", "Alone", and "Settle for Less" by Liquideep were playing everywhere – from family gatherings and high school dances to those long taxi rides home. And who could forget "BBM"? The song arrived just as BlackBerry Messenger was at its peak, giving us the perfect anthem to go with our dramatic BBM statuses. Yes, those were the days. Liquideep, made up of singer Ziyon and producer Ryzor, came onto the scene with their soulful house sound in the late 2000s. Their 2010 album "Fabrics of the Heart" became a national favourite, earning the group several South African Music Awards (Samas), including Album of the Year. Their music peaked in popularity between 2009 and 2012, a time when house music was deeply embedded in Mzansi's cultural life: weddings, clubs, even your cousin's mixtape CD. Liquideep stood out for their emotional songwriting and international-quality production, helping to elevate South African house music on the global stage. At the same time, hip hop trio Teargas, made up of K.O, Ma-E, and Ntukza, was making waves of its own. The group debuted in 2006 with "K'shubile K'bovu", followed by the critically acclaimed "Wafa Wafa" and "Dark or Blue". Their blend of social commentary, streetwise lyrics, and catchy hooks turned them into one of SA's most influential hip hop acts of the time. Teargas earned several accolades, including Sama nominations and an MTV Africa Music Award nod. With tracks like "Chance", "Party 101", and "Champions", the group gave voice to township youth and tackled real issues while still delivering club bangers.
